Origins & Early Life

Pietro Vincenzo Antonio Peruggia (8 October 1881 – 8 October 1925) was an Italian decorator best known for stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, a museum in Paris where he had briefly worked as glazier, on 21 August 1911. Pietro Vincenzo Antonio Peruggia was born on 8 October 1881 in Dumenza, a small village in the Alps of Italy near the border with Switzerland to Celeste Rossi and Giacomo Peruggia. For a brief period after having moved to Paris in 1908, Peruggia obtained work at the Louvre, cleaning and reframing paintings. His job also required him to construct strong cases for some of the artwork in the museum, including the one for the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci; he was likely involved in Mona Lisa's box frame construction and would have known how to open it in minutes.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After the painting was stolen, a curator investigated the matter and listed all the names involved, including Peruggia's. There was not much security at the Louvre, and its entry was free. In 1911, Peruggia perpetrated what has been described as the greatest art theft of the 20th century. According to Peruggia's later interrogation in Florence, following...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Fleming — Contemporary (Born in 1881) (1881): Pioneering microbiologist known for the discovery of penicillin, revolutionizing medicine.
• Alexander II of Russia — Contemporary (Died in 1881) (1881): Emperor of Russia, known as 'The Liberator' for abolishing serfdom.
• Béla Bartók — Contemporary (Born in 1881) (1881): Pioneering Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist of the 20th century.
• Albert Bandura — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Prominent South African politician and long-serving ANC leader.
• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Anne-Marie Duff — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1970): Acclaimed British actress known for roles in Shameless and The Virgin Queen.
• Bruno Mars — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1985): Pop icon known for retro showmanship and versatile songwriting.
• Clement Attlee — Shared historical date (10-08 · Died) (1967): Key Labour politician who served as UK Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951.
• Didi (footballer, born 1928) — Shared historical date (10-08 · Born) (1928): Iconic Brazilian midfielder, renowned for his passing and 'dry leaf' free kicks.
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• 1925 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1925